Let's Get Engaged

How do you connect with users/consumers? How do you encourage repeat visits? Debbie Galant will share some war stories from Baristanet - what's worked, what hasn't, and what's next. Short presentation followed by Q&A and lots of networking with Northern NJ techrepreneurs.

• Investors: They don’t think we have enough quality companies in NJ to warrant their time. Let’s prove them wrong.

• Government: We don’t expect a lot but every little bit helps. Helping with cowork spaces is a good start.

Past & Present:

New Jersey is the home of Thomas Edison, Bell Labs and was the epicenter of the Pharmaceutical industry and Telco. We also have a highly educated population, great businesses, close proximity to NYC and/or Philly and a well-developed educational system. However, if you look at lists of top states for entrepreneurship and innovation New Jersey never makes it. The great thing is that this is showing signs of changing. NJ Tech, Jersey Shore Tech and Princeton Tech have proven, by their stellar growth, that New Jersey wants/needs an entrepreneurial ecosystem.

LaunchNJ (Not for profit):

Madison Tech has pivoted and is now called LaunchNJ. Our sole mission is the creation of an entrepreneurial community in New Jersey. This group is run by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs so we figured it only made sense to run it like a startup. We will take chances, measure results and iterate or pivot as needed.

MVP:

Use the voice of LaunchNJ to support the creation of Special Interest Groups (SIG’s): (i.e. Life Sciences, Developers, Female Entrepreneurs)

New Jersey has all the building blocks necessary to build an entrepreneurial and innovation hub, the movement has started. Since this is a grassroots movement we need you. None of the organizers are getting paid but they are working hard to deliver high impact programs and will continue to do so. However, if we are to succeed we need your help. Please let other entrepreneurs or entrepreneurial people know about the group. It is a great opportunity for them to learn and you are helping your community.

Definitions:

Entrepreneurial: A person who sees a problem and fixes it without having to be told and is willing to share knowledge with others.

Entrepreneur: An Entrepreneurial Person who chooses to take the plunge and commit themselves 100% to something that has a high probability of failing.